FacebookBlogger

3 Day Ultimate Sounds Adventure

Located at the top of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, The Queen Charlotte Track is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s classic tracks and a “must do” on every international or domestic visitors itinerary. It is a 71km walking and mountain biking track which is renowned for its panoramic coastal views, lush coastal forest, resort accommodation and excellent water transport services – creating a walk that is challenging yet comfortable and exciting. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s best single track ride, it is a challenging track, with many technical stages, and riders do need a good level of riding fitness in order to enjoy the trip.

This 3-day unguided itinerary allows mountain bikers to enjoy the track hassle-free. With the best accommodation, water transport operator that ensure your ride on the Queen Charlotte Track is a memorable experience you will want tell everyone about.

Day 1 - Resolution Bay to Punga Cove Resort

Your 3-day adventure kicks off with a one hour boat ride to Resolution Bay. (Although the track officially starts at Ship Cove the ride out of Ship Cove is quite steep and therefore we recommend that you start at Resolution Bay).

You have a long but moderate climb out of Resolution Bay to Tawa Saddle and slow downhill to Furneaux Lodge. A rewarding ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet awaits with some technical sections caused by tree roats and drop offs around Camp Bay.

3.5-4 hour ride – 26.5km. Overnight at Punga Cove Resort.

Day 2 - Punga Cove Resort to Portage Resort Hotel

The days starts with a steep climb from Punga Cove. The sweeping views begin to appear as you bike along the ridge between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound. The track is very undulating and therefore can be challenging for some people. The track is wide but quite steep in places. Watch for drop offs and rocky areas. If you prefer, you can ride the road on this day.

3.5 to 4 hour ride – 23.6km. Overnight at Portage Resort Hotel.

Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa

The last day starts of with a ride from Portage to Waterfall Bay – this is a long steep climb, lots of pushing, switch backs on descent. Some may prefer to take the road for this section. The second part will be Waterfall Bay to Anakiwa – a narrow undulating track at first, wider and more moderate mid section, then long descent into Anakiwa. Riding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived. The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so too does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track.

The day will end with a water transport collection and, as you travel back to Picton, you can relax and reminisce on the magic of the last three days.

(3.25 to 4 hours – 20.7km)